Saginaw Bay Restoration

Much of Michigan’s Saginaw Bay shoreline, which stretches for 100 miles across the eastern side of the state, is made up of vital coastal wetlands. Recognized globally as an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA), the region hosts massive flocks of migratory waterfowl like Tundra Swans, Mallards, Redheads, and Common Goldeneyes, as well as breeding colonies of waterbirds such as Common Terns and Great Egrets. These wetlands aren’t just critical for wildlife—they also provide essential benefits to local communities by naturally filtering pollutants, storing water to reduce flooding and drought, and helping to buffer the region against the impacts of climate change. 

However, these habitats face serious threats from invasive species, agricultural runoff, and lingering contaminants. Audubon is working across the region to protect and restore Saginaw Bay wetlands, focusing on improving marsh conditions and controlling invasive species. Staff and volunteers (including from our local chapter, the Detroit Bird Alliance) are leading surveys to track breeding birds and overall marsh health, helping measure the success of current projects and guide future efforts. Engaging local communities in hands-on conservation work is also a priority, to build a future for these wetlands that is beneficial for people, wildlife, and birds.  

The Saginaw Bay region includes Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area, which contains key breeding ground for the Black Tern—a species which has faced severe population declines. At Wigwam Bay, the Black Tern colonies have struggled to survive due to habitat loss from invasive plants, severe weather, predators, and the disappearance of floating nest mats. Audubon is working to reduce these threats by improving hemi-marsh conditions, combating invasive species, and studying these ecosystems to more deeply understand how to reverse population declines and ensure a better future for the Black Tern across the Great Lakes.  

Partners on this project include Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Detroit Bird Alliance, Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Audubon’s work in the Saginaw Bay region is supported by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).